Can different types of anxiety states be differentiated electrodermally?

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
7183094
Owner:
NLM
Status:
MEDLINE

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

Increased electrodermal spontaneous fluctuation and decreased skin conductance OR recovery time were related to short duration increases in test anxiety. These electrodermal indices were unrelated to long-term worry associated with an impending stressful event. Amplitudes of responses were not related to short-term (or test) anxiety. Amplitude of the startle response was found to increase over a period of one week, as anxiety provoking events approached, where the subjects were in a position of helplessness. However, when an effective coping was subjectively perceived, 'startle response' appeared to be 'inhibited' to a significant degree. Amplitude of startle response may be a useful index for monitoring subjective 'worry' versus 'coping'.